Suicide Among Black Youths -- United States, 1980-1995

Although black youths have historically had lower suicide
rates than have whites, during 1980-1995, the suicide rate for
black youths aged 10-19 years increased from 2.1 to 4.5 per 100,000
population. As of 1995, suicide was the third leading cause of
death among blacks aged 15-19 years (1), and high school-aged
blacks were as likely as whites to attempt suicide (2). This report
summarizes trends in suicide among blacks aged 10-19 years in the
United States during 1980-1995 and indicates that suicidal behavior
among all youths has increased; however, rates for black youths
have increased more, and the gap between rates for black and white
youths has narrowed.

Data for suicides were obtained from CDC's National Center for
Health Statistics Underlying Cause of Death Mortality file (3) and
were based on the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth
Revision *. Population estimates were obtained from the Bureau of
the Census decennial estimates for 1980 and 1990. Age-specific
rates were calculated per 100,000 population.

During 1980-1995, a total of 3030 blacks aged 10-19 years
committed suicide in the United States. During this period, the
suicide rate for blacks aged 10-19 years increased 114%. In 1980,
the suicide rate for whites aged 10-19 years was 157% greater than
the rate for blacks. By 1995, the rate for whites was only 42%
greater than the rate for blacks.

Among blacks and whites aged 10-19 years, the suicide rate
increased most for blacks aged 10-14 years (233%), compared with a
120% increase for whites (Figure_1). Among blacks aged 15-19
years,
the suicide rate increased 126%, compared with 19% for whites
(Figure_2). Among black males aged 15-19 years, the suicide
rate
increased 146%, compared with 22% for white males.

Firearms use was the predominant method of suicide for blacks
aged 10-19 years, accounting for 66% of suicides in this group.
Among blacks aged 15-19 years, firearms use accounted for 69% of
suicides, followed by strangulation (18%). Among black males aged
15-19 years, firearms use accounted for 72% of suicides, followed
by strangulation (20%). Firearm-related suicides accounted for 96%
of the increase in the suicide rate for blacks aged 10-19 years.

During 1980-1995, trends in suicide rates for black youths
differed by region. ** The largest increase in suicide rates
occurred for blacks aged 15-19 years in the South (214%), followed
by the Midwest (114%). By sex, the largest increase in suicides
occurred among black males aged 15-19 years in the South (223%).

Editorial Note

Editorial Note: Although suicides have increased overall among
youths (4), the findings in this report indicate that, during
1980-1995,
suicide rates for black youths have increased substantially,
particularly in the South. In addition, the difference in suicide
rates for blacks and whites has decreased substantially.

Risk factors associated with suicides among youth include
hopelessness; depression; family history of suicide; impulsive and
aggressive behavior; social isolation; a previous suicide attempt;
and easier access to alcohol, illicit drugs, and lethal suicide
methods (5). Changes in some risk factors (e.g., breakdown of the
family and easier access to alcohol, illicit drugs, and lethal
suicide methods) may account for the increasing suicide rate among
youths. However, these changes may not account for the increase in
suicides among blacks aged 10-19 years. One possible factor may be
the growth of the black middle class (6). Black youths in upwardly
mobile families may experience stress associated with their new
social environments. Alternatively, these youths may adopt the
coping behaviors of the larger society in which suicide is more
commonly used in response to depression and hopelessness (7).
Another factor may be differential recording of suicide as a cause
of death on death certificates. Suicide as a cause of death may be
entered less readily for black youths than for white youths (8).

In addition, risk factors associated with suicide among youths
in general may not predict suicidal behaviors among black youths.
Differences in the social environments and life experiences of
black and white youths suggest the need to determine whether risk
factors for suicide in black youths differ from those of whites.
For example, the exposure of black youths to poverty, poor
educational opportunities, and discrimination may have negatively
influenced their expectations about the future and, consequently,
enhanced their resiliency to suicide (9).

Although youth suicide prevention programs exist, little is
known about their effectiveness in reducing suicidal behavior (10).
These programs also may not address the risk factors associated
with the increasing suicide rates for black youths. If risk factors
for suicide differ for black and white youths, existing programs
for suicide prevention that target black youths may need to be
modified.

A better understanding of the risk factors associated with
suicide among black youths is needed to develop appropriate
prevention and treatment programs. Evaluations of existing programs
to prevent youth suicide should examine the potential for
differential effects on black youths.

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